Workers in Washington Now Guaranteed Sick Leave

The New Year brings new laws. One of them provides paid sick leave for employees in Washington, so they can take time off, if needed, to take care of themselves or their families.

"Workers will get notification from their employers that they're going to be getting paid sick leave,” said Elizabeth Smith with Labor and Industries. “They also will get information every month about how much sick leave they have and how to use it."

Under the new law most employees, including part-time and seasonal workers, will earn paid sick leave at a minimum rate of one hour for every 40 hours worked.

Paid sick leave must be paid to employees at their normal hourly compensation.

Employees are entitled to use accrued paid sick leave beginning on the 90th calendar day after the start of their employment.

Unused paid sick leave of 40 hours or less must be carried over to the following year.

Want to know more? Both employees and employers can find detailed information about the new sick leave law on the LNI website.